A few days ago my wife and I got to talking about a catchy advertising jingle of fifty years ago that was heard incessantly at this time of year. My wife even remembered all the words and sang them. It was the theme song of a government of Canada campaign to help building trades people … Continue reading Why wait for spring – do it now
Montreal
Ce sont des choses qu’arrivent
We left home in the afternoon, foolishly leaving the curtains wide open to announce our absence to all the world, attended a church service an hour outside of Montréal, then drove a lady to her home on the west side of the city. It was after midnight when we returned home. The first hint of … Continue reading Ce sont des choses qu’arrivent
Clinging to the rock
The majestic elm tree was a landmark along the Autoroute des Cantons de l’Est south of Montréal. It stood straight and tall on the east side of the highway, near St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, but it looked the same in summer as in winter. Like most North American elms it had fallen victim to Dutch Elm disease and … Continue reading Clinging to the rock
What Do We Live For?
What do we live for? Is labour so lowly, Toil so ignoble, we shrink from its stain? Think it not – labour Is God-like and holy; He that is idle is living in vain. What do we live for? Creation is groaning, Her desolate places are yet to be built; The voice of the years … Continue reading What Do We Live For?
Fur traders and Indians
The fur trade, in which millions of Canadian beaver gave their lives to provide felt top hats for European gentlemen, was the major impetus for the exploration and settlement of Canada. The fur traders employed by the Hudson's Bay Company were of French and Scottish origin. They fanned out across the country, establishing trading posts … Continue reading Fur traders and Indians
Flatlander Faith 